youth

As a church that is energized by lively engagement in our faith and life, we offer a variety of opportunities for youth to grow in and explore their faith.

Our confirmation program for 8th and 9th graders is an alternating curriculum that introduces students to the Lutheran catechism and living their faith.  We pool our resources with two other ELCA congregations in the area, Calvary in Allendale and Zion in Saddle River.  Our program includes direct instruction, service projects, field trips, lock-ins and retreats.  Each student has their own faith mentor from the congregation who will support them through this two year process.  At the center of our confirmation program are the faith practices of living our baptism that are the promises contained in the liturgy for the Affirmation of Baptism.

Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in holy baptism:
live among God’s faithful people;
hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s Supper;
proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed;
serve all people following the example of Jesus; and
strive for justice and peace in all the earth?”
Response: We do, and ask God to help and guide us.
(Evangelical Lutheran Worship, pg. 236)

Confirmation students are encouraged to attend Confirmation Camp at Cross Roads Camp and Retreat Center in Port Murray, NJ.

High school youth are encouraged to attend weekend retreats and summer camps.  The NJ Synod of the ELCA sponsors high school youth events such as its New Jersey Synod Youth Retreat.  Redeemer sends its youth to the ELCA Youth Gathering.  A powerful event, offered every third year, during which tens of thousands of high school youth and adults converge on a city to serve, worship and learn how to lead lives of discipleship.  The next Youth Gathering will be June 29-July 3, 2021 in Minneapolis, MN.

The ELCA has 26 colleges and universities dedicated to the freedom of inquiry and the development of the whole person in body, mind and spirit. At ELCA colleges and universities, students are educated for a sense of calling or vocation, opening the path toward a meaningful life of contribution to the common good through whatever career they choose.

Additional youth ministry resources can be found at:
Ministry Links Online
ELCA Youth Ministry
Lutheran Outdoor Ministry
Sparkhouse Youth Blog
Beaming Books Blog